EMS and Lower Back Pain

In partnership with Vive Fitness

Has all the sitting down at home and work left you with lower back pain (LBP) that you just cannot get rid of or have you jumped into to a HIIT training which has left you with back issues? You are not alone, as it is estimated that over 30% of the UK’s working population have LBP, with over 20% of those affected having to consult their GP, which means every 1 in 15 of the UK’s population is affected.

How can EMS training help you with your LBP?

Electro Muscle Stimulation can take on and alleviate this LBP burden for numerous individuals. EMS training has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of LBP in a short space of time. It is highly effective, time-efficient and has numerous secondary benefits. The full spectrum of trainees, from the ‘new-to-fitness enthusiast’, all the way through to elite athletes, can benefit from EMS training being a part of their routine.

How does EMS work for LBP?

ENHANCED POSTURAL CONTROL AND AWARENESS – Individuals with LBP that partake in EMS develop a greater level of proprioception and connection to their muscles.  This ensures that you can reduce your kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and enhance your movement control, both of which lead to a reduction or eradication of LBP.

DIRECT PAIN RELIEF – EMS can directly reduce the feeling of pain in the muscles, increasing the chances you can have pain free movement during your training session. This pain reduction in turn facilitates greater movement and function, as individuals quickly gain confidence that their body is ready to move freely again.

MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY AND ACTIVITY – Key lumbar muscles associated with LBP are switched on and increase in thickness as a result of EMS training. This is important, as non-specific LBP is associated with a lack of stability in the lumbar spine, specifically due to poor motor control and weakness of the lumbar muscles: Transverse Abdominis, Multifidus and Internal Obliques. It has been found that individuals with LBP have delayed firing of these lumbar muscles when moving and is widely accepted that these muscles can be difficult to ‘switch back on’ and strengthen.

WHOLE BODY STRENGTHENING – EMS training incorporates a whole-body approach. Resultantly, you not only strengthen your back muscles associated with LBP, you strengthen the rest of your body at the same time. The whole body is linked, so one weakness along the chain could be the cause of LBP. For example, it is well documented that the hip musculature strength is of particular importance to LBP, with weak or inactive hip abductors (glut med) and hip extensors (glut max) increasing your risk of developing LBP. EMS helps strengthen all these muscles during your LBP specific session, thus mitigating the risk of LBP returning, all in a time-efficient and efficacious way.

Vive Fitness specialises in personalised EMS (electro-muscle-stimulation) training using the latest Miha Bodytec technology. With 1-2 x 20-minute personalised trainer-led EMS sessions each week, you will see substantial improvements to your health, muscle tone and overall fitness. Whether you’re looking to tone & lean up, increase your strength, or resolve your lingering back pain, EMS will deliver this for you.